Jurgen Klopp has seemingly pulled out a padlock and bolted the door.
Speaking to Sky Sports this weekend, the boss indicated Liverpool's incoming transfer business is over for summer.
He suggested only two factors could possibly change that before the window shuts in September: "If nobody wants to leave, we are done. Or if a bad injury comes in...I don't hope so. But Liverpool fans can start focusing on other things."
So where does that leave the squad?
READ MORE: Thiago explains change after Klopp talks and makes 'important' Nunez claim
EXCLUSIVE: Darwin Nunez is ready for 'big step' at Liverpool and three players prove it
No issues in defence. A goalkeeper at the peak of his powers, plus capable deputies. Brilliant full-backs with strength in reserve. Four elite centre-halves who boast a fine mix of skillsets.
Exciting times in attack. Darwin Nunez looking sharp after his four-goal haul. Mohamed Salah "extremely fit" and "very, very happy". Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino raring to go, with Diogo Jota hopefully not far away from injury recovery.
The only lingering concerns in some quarters are about midfield.
Liverpool certainly have the numbers on the books. Eight senior men occupy central spots - nine if that is where Fabio Carvalho ends up playing too. Stefan Bajcetic has also caught the eye in pre-season, while Tyler Morton is another rotation option if he doesn't go out on loan.
But with interest ramping up over potential longer-term targets such as Jude Bellingham, many supporters have questioned whether now is the time to recruit.
Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago are all in their 30s. Their game-time will have to increasingly be managed to cope with the rigours of Liverpool's trademark intensity and a campaign that may involve competing on several fronts once again.
While the depth is clear on paper, a couple of key injuries would quickly change the picture.
But there is an extra element to the midfield debate that offers an intriguing glimpse of how things could play out in 2022/23.
It is no secret Liverpool will have established central stars to replace in the seasons to come. And that affords an opportunity - and puts a little bit of pressure - on the likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Carvalho.
Last season Jones played 856 minutes in the league. Elliott managed 346, which would undoubtedly have been more if not for injury. Carvalho - in the Championship with Fulham - racked up in excess of 2,800.
While Jones, still just 21, is the eldest of the three and most experienced at the top level, an intriguing triple battle could be on the cards over who will prosper the most in Klopp's immediate plans.
They all know there are five substitutes available in the Premier League now, so the chances to impress will be there.
They all know the clock is ticking on further injections of talent into midfield, with Liverpool beginning to consider their options.
They all know that the two advanced berths ahead of Fabinho or someone else holding are their most likely spots for action, and will be desperate to try and nail those down.
Klopp has addressed the situation of all three players in recent months - and his expectations are clearly high in each case.
On Carvalho: "It’s a short-term and a long-term project; he can start tomorrow and he needs to adapt, you can see that a little bit, but when he has the ball that’s proper quality. At the minute he’s not really set on one position – it’s the wing, it’s the eight, it’s the 10, it’s the false nine if he grows a few more muscles."
On Elliott: "Harvey is a really good player, nobody should be surprised by that. It’s not going to be the most important season of his life because he has another 20 to go but he had a very good start this year again and now we have to work with him, like with everybody."
On Jones: "I know him for a long time now and I am one of his biggest fans. Talents need to work and he is doing that work and talents need to learn the game and he is doing that every day. Sometimes they need a push and Curtis looks like he is that guy. Not that he is not concentrated or whatever; let me say not ‘pushed’, it’s a response, a proper response and then he can have that much more often if he wants."
Now is the perfect time for all three youngsters to truly aim for their next step at Liverpool, surrounded by quality and driven by competition for places.
Let battle commence.
READ NEXT:
